Christmas in Dawsonville 2018

2018 CHRISTMAS in Dawsonville Inside:

Event info on Dawsonville’s Christmas Parade, Tree Lighting, Local Events and more!

At OUTSIDE THE LINES! we have ornaments galore & so much more!!!

Handmade gifts for Grandma, Grandpa & teacher too.

Stop and see what we can create with you!

At Outside the Lines! Art Studio, everyone’s an artist!

*Paint-Your-Own-Pottery* NO APPOINTMENT NEEDED

December 1st Tree Lighting at the Racing Hall of Fame Stop by our booth & paint an ornament or two!

REMINDER: December 15th last day to paint to have for Christmas

*Canvas Painting *Board Art *Birthday Parties *Summer Camps *Classes *Team Building *Date Night *Ladies’ Night

Outside the Lines! Art Studio

31 Jack Heard Rd. Dawsonville, GA 706-265-2738 www.claycanvascreate.com

FIND YOUR WITH FIND YOUR WITH CHIROPRACTIC CHIROPRACTIC

WITH WITH CHIROPRACTIC CHIROPRACTIC SAVE SAVE BIG BIG ON ON CHIROPRACTIC! CHIROPRACTIC!

If you’ve ever wanted to try chiropractic, now is the time.

If you’ve ever wanted to try chiropractic, now is the time.

Join the millions of Americans who have not only found relief Join the millions of Americans who have not only found relief from pain, but also a pathway to wellness through chiropractic from pain, but also a pathway to wellness through chiropractic at The Joint Chiropractic. at The Joint Chiropractic.

Nov. Nov. 28 28 through through Jan. Jan. 6: 6: Buy Buy 10 10 Months, Months, Get Get 2 2 FREE** FREE** SAVE BIG ON CHIROPRACTIC! SAVE BIG ON CHIROPRACTIC!

NEW NEW PATIENT PATIENT SPECIAL SPECIAL

NEW NEW PATIENT PATIENT SPECIAL SPECIAL Consultation Consultation || Exam Exam || Adjustment Adjustment

Consultation Consultation || Exam Exam || Adjustment Adjustment

FSA/HSA FSA/HSA APPROVED APPROVED

USE YOUR USE YOUR PRE-TAX PRE-TAX DOLLARS DOLLARS

FSA/HSA FSA/HSA

USE YOUR USE YOUR PRE-TAX

at Forsyth Dawsonville PRE-TAX If you’ve ever wanted toThe tryCollection chiropractic, now is the time.

The at Forsyth Dawsonville DOLLARS If you’ve ever wanted to(770) tryCollection chiropractic, now is the time.

857-3038 DOLLARS (770) Join292-9292 the millions of Americans who have not only found relief (770) 857-3038 (770) 292-9292 Join the millions of Americans who have not only found relief 410 Peachtree Parkway, Suite 145 Forest Blvd Ste. 410 410 Peachtree Parkway, Suite from pain, but to wellness through chiropractic 145 Forest Blvd Ste.also 410 a pathway 4122 to wellness through chiropractic from pain, but also a pathway Dawsonville, GA 30534 4122 Dawsonville, GAChiropractic.

30534 at The Joint GA 30041 at The Joint Chiropractic.Cumming, Cumming, GA 30041 Alpharetta North Cumming Town Center Alpharetta North Cumming Town Center (770) 292-9292 (770) 292-9292 Nov. 28 through Jan. 6: Buy 10 Months, (770) 292-9292 (770) 292-9292 Nov. 28 through Jan. 6: Buy 10Highway Months, Get Get 2 2 FREE** FREE** 5665 Atlanta 2305 Market Place Blvd.

5665 Atlanta Highway 2305 Market Place Blvd.

Alpharetta, GA 30004 Cumming, GA 30041 Alpharetta, GA 30004 Cumming, GA 30041 The Collection at Forsyth Dawsonville The Collection at Forsyth Dawsonville (770) 857-3038 (770) 292-9292 (770) 857-3038 (770) 292-9292 410 Peachtree Parkway, Suite 145 Blvd Ste. 410 NOForest APPOINTMENTS | OPEN EVENINGS & Suite WEEKENDS | NO INSURANCE NEEDED | thejoint.com 410 Peachtree Parkway, 145 Blvd Ste. 410 NOForest APPOINTMENTS | OPEN 4122 EVENINGS & WEEKENDS | NO INSURANCE NEEDED | thejoint.com Dawsonville, GA 30534 4122 Dawsonville, GA 30534 Cumming, GA 30041 Cumming, GA 30041 Alpharetta North Cumming Town Center *Offer valued at $39.

Valid for new patients only. See clinicAlpharetta for chiropractor(s)' name and license info. Clinics managed and/or owned by franchisee or Prof. Corps. Restrictions may apply to Medicare eligible patients. Individual results may North Cumming Town Center *Offer valued at $39.

Valid for new patients only.

See clinic for chiropractor(s)' anddetails. license©info. managed owned by franchisee or Prof. Corps. Restrictions may apply to Medicare eligible patients. Individual results may vary. **Offer Valid Nov. 28, 2018 through Jan. 6, 2019.

Restrictions apply, see name clinic for 2018Clinics The Joint Corp. and/or All Rights Reserved.

(770) 292-9292 (770) 292-9292 vary. **Offer Valid Nov. 28, 2018 through Jan. 6, 2019.

Restrictions apply, see clinic for details. © 2018 The Joint Corp. All Rights Reserved.

(770) 292-9292 (770) 292-9292 5665 Atlanta Highway 2305 Market Place Blvd.

5665 Atlanta Highway 2305 Market Place Blvd.

Alpharetta, GA 30004 Cumming, GA 30041 Alpharetta, GA 30004 Cumming, GA 30041

APPROVED APPROVED

Dawsonville 145 Forest Blvd Ste. 410 Dawsonville, GA 30534

The Collection at Forsyth 410 Peachtree Parkway, Suite 4122 Cumming, GA 30041

Cumming Town Center 2305 Market Place Blvd.

Cumming, GA 30041

Alpharetta North 5665 Atlanta Highway Alpharetta, GA 30004

770.292.9292

NO APPOINTMENTS | OPEN EVENINGS & WEEKENDS | NO INSURANCE NEEDED | thejoint.com NO APPOINTMENTS | OPEN EVENINGS & WEEKENDS | NO INSURANCE NEEDED | thejoint.com *Offer valued at $39. Valid for new patients only. See clinic for chiropractor(s)' name and license info. Clinics managed and/or owned by franchisee or Prof. Corps. Restrictions may apply to Medicare eligible patients. Individual results may *Offer**Offer valuedValid at $39. new patients only.

See clinic for chiropractor(s)' anddetails. license©info. managed owned by franchisee or Prof. Corps. Restrictions may apply to Medicare eligible patients. Individual results may vary.

Nov.Valid 28, for 2018 through Jan. 6, 2019.

Restrictions apply, see name clinic for 2018Clinics The Joint Corp. and/or All Rights Reserved. vary. **Offer Valid Nov. 28, 2018 through Jan. 6, 2019. Restrictions apply, see clinic for details. © 2018 The Joint Corp. All Rights Reserved.

2018 CHRISTMAS in Dawsonville Inside:

Christmas in Dawson feels like home.................................... Page 6 Tree Lighting & Jingle Market...................................................Page 10 Dawsonville’s Christmas Parade............................................. Page 14 Breakfast with Santa.......................................................................Page 16 Bethel Baptist Church Live Nativity.......................................Page 22 K.A.R.E. for Kids...................................................................................Page 26 5 Ways to Give Back this Holiday Season.........................Page 28

4

Christmas in Dawsonville 2018

Have the most relaxing Christmas ever...

with us!

We have goodies for everyone on your list!

• Gift Cards • Halotherapy • Infrared Sauna • A HydraFacial MD • Facials • Massage Therapy • Salt Caves

There are countless health benefits to halotherapy!

78 Dawson Village Way Dawsonville, GA 30534 678-835-SALT (7258) www.saltmedspa.com/dawsonville

Breathe Well * Look Well * Feel Well

The Christmas spirit in Dawsonville made me feel at

By Jessica Taylor jtaylor@dawsonnews.com There is just something special about Christmas time in a small town. I grew up most of my life experiencing Christmas in Winder in Barrow County, with all its festivals and activities so when I moved to Dawsonville last December, I was a little nervous I would be missing out on traditions I had come to love.

It was certainly an adjustment moving from my childhood home to a house I would call my own. A new town, a new job, a new batch of responsibilities meant it was hard for me to get into the Christmas spirit.

Between moving box after box and adjusting to a completely new life on my own, I didn’t even really feel like putting up a Christmas tree. It wasn’t that I was a Grinch. I just felt homesick, overwhelmed with missing the home I had known most of my years and worried this new foreign place would accept me.

In a time in my life filled with confusion and trepidation, Dawsonville welcomed me with open arms. Though I was new, I was accepted by everyone I had the pleasure of talking to in the last two months of 2017.

I met a wonderful local woman who collects Christmas models and proudly displays her ever growing village for her young grandchildren as a decades long family tradition. She welcomed me into her home where I met her family and learned all about her beautiful Christmas traditions.

I met members of Dawson County Emergency Services and several of the exceptional children from the Community Based Instruction program as they shopped together at Walmart to help K.A.R.E. for Kids provide Christmas joy for children in need.

I saw beautiful works of art on display at the Margie Weaver Senior Center created by the talented senior citizens right here in Dawson County. Many of the paintings rivaled those you might see in art galleries in the big city.

At Rock Creek Park, I saw local Boy Scouts serving up breakfast with a smile and children waiting in line as patiently as they could to tell Santa Claus all the goodies they wanted for Christmas. Local businesses and community

6

home

members came together to host crafts and give out goodies to kids. I even learned about WEE Books for the first time and their free program of providing books for children 0-5 in the county.

I smiled as I photographed young boys and girls, with frosting and bits of candy on their faces, as they decorated gingerbread houses with their parents at the Dawson County Library.

I gazed in awe as I went to the Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge for the first time, impressed first by the impressive nutcracker display in the lobby, and then by the warm fireplace and Santa greeting children. I then went downstairs to cover the Christmas open house festivities and was equally impressed by the caliber of decorated gingerbread houses in the decorating contest, and by the special park guests of the feathery and scaly kinds.

At the parade I overheard hundreds of children giggling as they gleefully gathered up candy thrown from beautifully adorned floats.

I caught up with a former high school classmate at the Jingle Market selling unique reindeer made of logs. I was surprised to run into a familiar face this far north from my former high school, but I was glad to catch up and see where life had taken him.

I gathered with hundreds of locals as we awaited the lighting of the tree in downtown in front of the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame and clapped joyously when it was lit, ushering in the Christmas season.

Surrounded by the warmth from the hearts of the people of Dawsonville as that tree was lit, I realized this place is now home.

And though my house was scarcely decorated for the holidays (unless unpacked cardboard boxes count as Christmas decorations), I carried Christmas in my heart.

It was during Christmas in Dawsonville when I truly felt accepted and felt like I found a place to belong. The kindness and compassion of the people of this small town continues to remind me every day that the Christmas spirit is alive and well and resides in all of us all year long.

This Christmas, I look forward to celebrating with you once more and for many, many more years to come. Thank you for welcoming me into Dawsonville and I wish you all a very Merry Christmas.

Christmas in Dawsonville 2018

“It’s about how you live.”

Providing compassionate end of life care while honoring the sacred value and dignity of one’s life.

Georgia Mountains hospice

Your local non-profit hospice, proudly serving North Georgia since 1993.

70 Caring Way. Jasper, GA 30143 706.253.4100 800.692.7199 fax: 706.253.4101

www.georgiamountainshospice.org

From our family to yours, Wishing you a Very Merry Christmas & a Happy New year!

Where pets are treated as family.

706-216-1356

375 Auraria Rd, Dawsonville (Located just past Ga 400 and Hwy 136 Intersection)

DAWSONVILLE

& Jingle Market

CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING Dec. 1st, 3 to 8 p.m.

Dawsonville Municipal Complex

Photos by Jessica Taylor jtaylor@dawsonnews.com Dawsonville will celebrate another holiday season with the annual tree lighting and Jingle Market at city hall. Home decor, arts, crafts, gifts and much more will be available inside and outside the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame from 3 to 8 p.m. Dec. 1 for visitors to get a jump start on holiday shopping.

At 6:30 p.m., outside city hall, spectators will watch the giant Christmas tree light up for the first time this season. Santa also plans to be in town for the festivities and food trucks, cookie decorating, dancing and singing will also be part of the fun.

Right: Councilman Jason Power welcomed everyone to the 2017 tree lighting ceremony and encouraged everyone to “appreciate each other, love each other and enjoy ourselves� and to remember the first Christmas.

On the Cover: Downtown Dawsonville will be decorated for the holiday season starting Dec. 1. This sled and snowman display provided a great photo op in front of the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame last year.

10

Christmas in Dawsonville 2018

Above: Brett and Haley Downing of Forsyth County were selling handmade reindeer statues made out of logs during the 5th annual Jingle Market.

Above: Golden Retriever puppy Callie, 5 months old, was so excited to help Mountain Lake Church with their sound system during the 2017 Dawsonville tree lighting and Jingle Market. With holiday music playing, Callie couldn’t help but dance.

Above: Annie Sue Chester shows off her handmade wreaths at the 2017 Jingle Market.

Chester said she and her granddaughter, Cassidy, began making wreaths to raise money for her college fund. Three years later, the pair still love making Christmas wreaths.

Left: Everyone anticipated the 2017 tree lighting ceremony.

At dusk after the countdown, the tree in downtown Dawsonville was lit and met with cheers and applause from the crowd.

Christmas in Dawsonville 2018

11

Brunch With Santa & Carriage Rides!

Sunday, 12/9/18 11:30am to 2:30pm Rose Garden Dining Room

Don’t forget to join us every Sunday for our regular brunch buffet in our Hideaway Dining Room, serving all your Southern inspired favorites including the best fried chicken in North Georgia, sweet potato souffle, real mashed potatoes, fried okra and so much more.

Adults $18.95

Kids $8.95

IT’S NOT TOO LATE…BOOK YOUR CHRISTMAS PARTY NOW! Visit our website for more information:

Weddings & Receptions Romantic Getaways & Honeymoons Retreats & Meetings

www.forresthillsresort.com 706-864-6456 135 Forrest Hills Rd, Dahlonega

THANK YOU

Christmas Parade DAWSONVILLE’S

Dec. 1st, 5 p.m. • Downtown Dawsonville Photos by Jessica Taylor jtaylor@dawsonnews.com

Now in its sixth year, Dawsonville’s Christmas Parade is the true testament that the holidays are upon us. With floats from various local organizations, churches and businesses, the parade will run through downtown Dawsonville, starting at Academy Avenue, turning onto Hwy. 53 and ending at the Dawsonville Municipal Complex.

Call the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce at (706) 265-6278 for more information.

Above: Girl Scout Troop 17329 waved to the crowd during the fifth annual Christmas parade.

Above: Members of Northstar Cycles threw out candy to very excited children. Northstar Cycles took home the award for best in the bike/car class during the 5th annual Dawsonville Christmas parade.

Above: Mr. and Miss Dawson County 2017 made an appearance at the end of the parade.

Above: Footprints Dance Allegiance showed off one of their dance routines while walking through the parade Dec. 2, 2017.

Above: A young spectator was excited watching the Dawsonville Christmas parade Dec. 2, 2017.

14

Christmas in Dawsonville 2018

Above: Santa and Mrs. Claus were the big finale of the parade.

After they waved to all the children, parade spectators made their way back to the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame for the tree lighting.

Above: Tiny superheroes from the KG Cleaning Solution group tossed out candy from their float.

KG Cleaning Solution brought the largest group to the parade and also took home the award for “Most Creative� for their superhero theme.

Above: Eager spectators lined the road half an hour prior to the start of the parade to ensure they got good seats for the 5th annual event.

Above: Students from Cornerstone marched through the parade and played music.

Cornerstone took home the award for best walking group.

Right: Leading the parade was the firetruck from Dawson County Fire Department.

Christmas in Dawsonville 2018

15

Santa

Breakfast with Dec. 1 from 8 to 11 a.m.

Rock Creek Park, inside the Rec Center 4450 Martin Road, Dawsonville Photos by Jessica Taylor jtaylor@dawsonnews.com Santa makes a special trip each year to have breakfast with children in Dawsonville.

Billed as a one-stop-shop for Christmas, Breakfast with Santa is an annual event held at Rock Creek Park and includes festivities for the entire family. Coloring, goody bags and freebies, candy, toys and prizes and an inflatable bounce house will be part of the free fun.

Vendors and businesses will be set up to greet children and provide free crafts and activities, as well as sell merchandise.

Among the things available for purchase will be Santa photo packages, wreaths, live Christmas trees from Bradley’s Farm, horse-drawn carriage rides and breakfast provided by Chick-fil-A. Cash only, please.

Above: Thomas Livingstone from Boy Scout Troop 422 volunteered to serve breakfast and beverages at Breakfast with Santa Dec. 2, 2017. Livingstone has been part of the Boy Scouts for eight years and loved volunteering at this year’s festivities.

Proceeds from Breakfast with Santa benefit K.A.R.E. for Kids, a local nonprofit organization that provides Christmas to underprivileged children in the community, as well as provides other assistance throughout the year.

Admission to Breakfast with Santa is free.

For more information, call Dawson County Parks and Recreation at (706) 344-3646.

Above: Patience Bunn and Kadencie Denny took time to draw pictures and sign their names on the Wee Books Program’s tablecloth during the 2017 Breakfast with Santa event at Rock Creek Park.

Above: Charlie, 4, and Olivia, 8, Speaks were all smiles when meeting Santa Claus at the 2017 Breakfast with Santa event at Rock Creek Park.

16

Above: There were many unique handmade items on sale at the 2017 Breakfast with Santa, including this display

by Penelope and Neil Terkelsen.

Left: The famous Chick-fil-A cow made an appearance at Rock Creek Park at the 2017 Breakfast with Santa.

Christmas in Dawsonville 2018

LL E U F IC R V E R SE EL W JE

Tripp & Comp

Fine jewelry Store • C

North Georgia’s Br

Merry Christmas from y

Extended hours including Sundays, star

Pearls Rock!

• Diamond & Bridal Jewelry • • Colored Stone Jewelry • Appraisals • Custom Jewelry Design Owner Tripp Brackett, Janet, Valerie

•

•

• Name Brand Watches

Dawson Crossroads Shopping Center 14 706-265-1030 • TrippCo

pany JEWELERS

Custom Design Studio

ridal Headquarters

your hometown jeweler!

rting Thanksgiving through Christmas

• Pearl Restringing

• Watch & Jewelry Repair

• Watch Batteries/Link

Bring this coupon in for

$2.oo off

watch battery replacement Must Present Coupon for Offer.

Adjustment

45 Forest Blvd, Suite 310 Dawsonville, Ga oJewelers@gmail.com

In This Holy Season...

May your faith be renewed and your spirits lifted, by the true meaning of Christmas.

We thank you for your friendship and for the privilege of serving you this past year.

“For all LP Gas Services�

Celebrating 54 Years

www.millsfuel.com

Dawsonville 706-265-3394 Cumming 770-887-5235 Dahlonega 706-864-5037

Bethel Baptist Church Live Nativity Program December 7th & 8th

6 pm- 9 pm

Admission is free and everyone is invited to attend.

“And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.” Luke 2:4-5

Dress warmly for the tractor-drawn hayride journey which lasts approximately 45 minutes. From downtown Dawsonville, follow Shoal Creek Road to Highway 136.

Church is located on the left at 2659 Hwy 136 West.

It’s Christmas and we wanted to say

Thank You and that ...

It has been a pleasure working with you this past year.

We hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas & a Happy New Year!

63 Daisy Drive, Dawsonville, GA

706-216-1485

www.400WasteandScrap.com

The Story of Christ,

A LIVE NATIVITY Dec. 7 and 8, 6-9 p.m., Bethel Baptist Church 2659 Hwy. 136 W, Dawsonville Photos by Allie Dean adean@dawsonnews.com Bethel Baptist Church’s live nativity will celebrate its 31st year of showcasing the true meaning of Christmas when the elaborate outdoor play commences Dec. 7 and 8.

Throughout the 40-acre woods where the nativity is staged, church volunteers will act out scenes that range from the birth of Jesus to the crucifixion, burial and resurrection as visitors view the spectacle from tractor-driven wagons.

More than 2,000 people visit the nativity each year, which takes the entire 150-member congregation to pull off.

After the play, visitors are invited inside for hot soups and chili, sandwiches, drinks and other refreshments.

Wagons begin departing the church parking lot at 6 p.m. and stop at 9 p.m. Dress warmly and plan for a 45-minute ride. Admission is free.

Above: Mary, played by Jessica Castleberry, learns of her impending pregnancy with the savior during the live nativity put on by Bethel Baptist Church previously. The play took visitors through 10 scenes depicting the birth and death of Christ as the congregation conveyed the true meaning of Christmas.

Above: Angels sing “Away in a Manger” as Jesus Christ is born during Bethel Baptist Church’s live nativity.

22

Above: There is no room in the inn for Mary and Joseph, who travel to Bethlehem in anticipation of the birth of Jesus. Their journey is depicted in the live nativity put on annually by Bethel Baptist Church in Dawsonville.

Christmas in Dawsonville 2018

PRESENTS

SANTA PHOTO TIME

It’s time for holiday photos with Santa.

He’ll be waiting for you at the Food Pavilion.

To reserve your FastPass and for Santa Hours, visit simon.com/santa.

Dawson Children

K.A.R.E. for Kids grants Christmas wishes for

By Allie Dean adean@dawsonnews.com Photos by Jessica Taylor jtaylor@dawsonnews.com

Local nonprofit organization K.A.R.E. for Kids is known around the county for its annual Christmas assistance, but the group could never spread the spirit of the holidays to hundreds of Dawson County children each year without the help of the community.

From church groups to clubs to businesses and schools, it’s a countywide effort each year to make sure that no child goes without a present under the tree or without clothes to keep them warm all winter long.

Last year alone K.A.R.E. for Kids provided Christmas for 500 Dawson County children.

K.A.R.E. also hosts the annual community egg hunt each year.

The main fundraising event for the organization each year is the Mountain Moonshine Festival, and they also accept donations all year long from groups, business or other organizations and individuals.

Ways to help this Christmas include sponsoring a child, using your business or church as a toy drop-off, as well as financial support.

Over the years, K.A.R.E. has used the funds they raise to provide necessities such as winter coats

Above: The Dawson County High School Community Based Instruction students teamed up with members of Dawson County Emergency Services last November to shop for items for children in need on behalf of K.A.R.E. for Kids.

26

and shoes, other clothing, eye glasses and many other needs. They start accepting applications for Christmas assistance each November, and applicants must meet a set of requirements to qualify for assistance. Recipients must live full time in Dawson County and the children must be school aged or younger, among other factors.

For the past two years, Dawson County Emergency Services has teamed up with the Dawson County Schools Community Based Instruction program to shop for presents for those using K.A.R.E. for Kids funds.

Twenty-seven CBI students and their program leads showed up at Walmart last November with emergency services personnel to shop for toys and clothes for kids in need.

“Having these kids actually be a part of the community and give back to society and then help those in need and be with their friends and firemen and just all work together and give back to the community - honestly that’s what it’s about,” said Ashley Elliott, CBI program lead.

“That’s what the season’s about – to give and do the right thing.”

If you have any questions concerning K.A.R.E. for Kids, call (706) 216-5273 or email KAREFORKIDSCHRISTMAS@gmail.com.

Above: Tyler Lewis, Haden Kincaid and Will Dinsmore help their fireman Austin Martin and teacher Ashley Elliott find the perfect pairs of socks for a child who received Christmas assistance from K.A.R.E. for Kids last year.

Christmas in Dawsonville 2018

Happy Holidays No insurance? No problem.

• Low cash office visit • Walk-in urgent care • Affordable health care services • Annual physical and blood work-up • X-rays, injections, etc.

• We provide for sick care and long-term wellcare maintenance.

Dr. Gary C. Berliner, MD, MPH, MS

DAYS 7 N E P O A WEEK

706-265-6866

www.chestateeemergentcare.com 2395 Thompson Rd., Dawsonville

Chestatee Emergent Medical Care

ways to give back this holiday season

By Allie Dean • adean@dawsonnews.com

For many, the holidays are a special time of the year, when family and friends get together and celebrate all things merry and bright. It’s also the perfect time to donate your time, money and attention to causes near and dear to your heart. Here are five creative ways to get out and give back this holiday season.

Over tip your server From your hair stylist to your mailman to a server at your favorite restaurant, all year long you are surrounded by people in the service industry who keep your life running smoothly.

The holidays are the perfect time to show your appreciation for all they do with a big tip.

Give an anonymous gift We all know someone who needs a little help during the holiday season who is maybe too proud to ask for help. If you’ve got a struggling single mom in your office, consider dropping a few toys for her kids or a grocery store gift card at her desk before or after work. She may not know who to thank, but you can bet she’ll be forever grateful.

Double the recipe Are you famous for your snickerdoodle cookies or pecan pie? The holidays are the perfect time to put your baking skills to work and make an extra pie or extra dozen cookies for a neighbor, coworker or local fire station. It’s easy to spread holiday cheer when baked goods are in the mix.

Think outside the can When it comes to local organizations like food banks or thrift stores, it’s easy to remember to donate canned food or a few winter coats, but we often overlook other needs that people have year-round, such as toilet paper, hygiene products and cleaning supplies. Call your local food bank or homeless shelter and ask what their most pressing needs are, it might surprise you.

Donate time and skills Donations don’t have to be all material goods either. Everyone has a specialty, and whether you’ve got stellar computer skills or are a culinary genius, you can be sure there is a charity out there that could use some of your (free) specialized services. Offer to photograph dogs up for adoption at your local humane society or design a flyer for their next event.

28

LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS TO REMEMBER THIS HOLIDAY SEASON Abba House 6800 Dahlonega Hwy., Cumming, Ga. 30040 www.abbahouse.com (678) 208-2000 Bowen Center for the Arts P.O. Box 849, Dawsonville, Ga. 30534 (706) 216-2787 Dawson County Humane Society 633 Martin Road, Dawsonville, Ga. 30534 dawsoncountyhumanesociety.org (706) 265-9160 Dawson County Family Connection 96 Academy Avenue, Dawsonville, Ga. 30534 (706) 265-1981 Dawson County Library 342 Allen Street, Dawsonville, Ga. 30534 (706) 344-3690 Dawson County Senior Center 201 Recreation Road, Dawsonville, Ga. 30534 (706) 344-3700 Dawson County Woman’s Club P.O. Box 1401, Dawsonville, Ga. 30534 dawsoncountywomansclub.org (706) 216-1360 Dawsonville Civitan Club 28 Main Street, Dawsonville, Ga. 30534 contact@dawsonvillecivitan.org www.dawsonvillecivitan.org Dawsonville Lions Charities, Inc P.O. Box 408, Dawsonville, Ga. 30534 (404) 323-9683 Good Shepherd Clinic of Dawson County 45 Medical Center Drive, Dawsonville, Ga. 30534 (706) 429-9914

Christmas in Dawsonville 2018

K.A.R.E. for Kids, Inc. P.O. Box 211, Dawsonville, Ga. 30534 (706) 216-5273 Meals by Grace Fill Ministries & MbG Pantry 432 A Canton Road, Cumming, Ga. 30534 (404) 268-8924 Ninth District Opportunity P.O. Box 453, Dawsonville, Ga. 30534 (706) 265-3744 No One Alone (NOA) P.O. Box 685, Dahlonega, Ga. 30533 (706) 344-3853 Reading Education Association of Dawson County, Inc. 388 Hwy. 9 N, Dawsonville, Ga. 30534 www.readdawson.com (678) 513-5202 Relay for Life of Dawson County 2565 Thompson Bridge Road STE 114, Gainesville, Ga. 30501 (770) 297-1220 RIC Rack Food Bank and Thrift Store P.O. Box 891, Dawsonville, Ga. 30534 (706) 265-1371 / (706) 265-1045

Above: Dawson County Emergency Services personnel teamed up with CBI students from Dawson County High School and Dawson County Junior High School last year to shop for items needed for K.A.R.E. for Kids.

Rotary Club of Dawson County P.O. Box 1495, Dawsonville, Ga. 30534 www.dawsoncountyrotary.org Sleep in Heavenly Peace- Dawsonville (404) 543-0615 skip.sevier@shpbeds.org United Way for Dawson County P.O. Box 1350, Dawsonville, Ga. 30534 www.unitedwayforsyth.com/dawsoncounty (770) 781-4110 Veterans 3 Gun, Inc. P.O. Box 282, Dawsonville, Ga. 30534 veterans3gun.org (706) 973-1787 Veterans Affairs of Dawson County P.O. Box 1313, Dawsonville, Ga. 30534 Vietnam Veterans of America, Dawson County Chapter #970 P.O. Box 1205, Dawsonville, Ga. (706) 809-2573 Wee Books P.O. Box 1883, Dawsonville, Ga. 30534 www.dawsonweebooks.org

Above: Chief Jamerson Kerby adds a shirt into the shopping cart while Laura Morales and Cheyanne McKinley double check their shopping list.

Christmas in Dawsonville 2018

29

Merry Christmas From Lighthouse Baptist Church And Lighthouse Christian Academy

Look for our LCA float in the Dawsonville Christmas Parade on December 1st

Come visit us Sunday Morning at 11 am 329 Harmony Church Rd., Dawsonville, GA 30534 lighthouse-baptist.com | (706) 265-9868 Follow us on Facebook

s a m t s i r h C WITH

e s u o H n e p O

Santa

1-5 p.m • Dec. 16, 2018 Call 706-265-1969 for more information.

In the Maple

Christmas Open House Dinner......$17.99 5-8 p.m. • Dec. 16, 2018 Christmas Day Brunch...................$26.95 11:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. • Dec. 25, 2018 New Year’s Day Lunch.....................$16.95 11:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. • Jan. 1, 2019 Call 706-344-1521 for more information.

2018 New Year’s Eve GALA $160.00 per couple Call 706-344-1502 for reservations.

Stay with us and attend the Gala and receive 25% off your accommodations.

Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge

90 mi. from center city Atlanta, 15 mi. from downtown Dawsonville, 19 mi. west of Dahlonega

Joy and prosperity!

Wishing you and your family happiness this holiday season.

Thank you for letting Modern Woodmen of America serve you this past year.

Gregory A. Peace, FICF Suite 140 135 Prominence Court Dawsonville, GA 30534 B 706-216-5262 greg.a.peace@mwarep.org

HOLG0312

Boots • Wallets •Belts •Luggage Watches •Wax Stamps •and more

Located i n the Carri age House Shoppes Located i n the Carri age House Shoppes Shop Small • Shop Local • Shop Dahlonega

Call/Text 678-654-8463 • M-F 10-7 | Sun 11-6 11 South Grove Street Dahlonega, Georgia

For unto us a Child is born.

Unto us a Son is given.

- Isaiah 9:6

Wishing you and yours a Merry Christmas 383 Highway 53 West Dawsonville, GA 706-344-1GAS

LL E FU IC RV LER E E S W JE

Tripp & Company

JEWELERS

Fine jewelry Store • Custom Design Studio

North Georgia’s Bridal Headquarters

Merry Christmas

from your hometown jeweler!

Extended hours including Sundays, starting Thanksgiving through Christmas

Pearls Rock!

Bring this coupon in for

Diamond & Bridal Jewelry Colored Stone Jewelry Appraisals Custom Jewelry Design

$2.oo

off

watch battery replacement Must Present Coupon for Offer.

Name Brand Watches Pearl Restringing Watch & Jewelry Repair Watch Batteries/Link Adjustment

Dawson Crossroads Shopping Center 145 Forest Blvd, Suite 310 Dawsonville, Ga 706-265-1030 • TrippCoJewelers@gmail.com